Synthesis and reactivity of air stable Ni(II) complexes with isocyanides and dialkyldithiophosphate ligands: acyclic diaminocarbene formation.

A library of new neutral and cationic Ni(II) complexes containing isocyanide ligands and mono- or dialkyl-dithiophosphate have been easily prepared and fully characterized. The synthesis of the neutral complexes unfolds through the alkyl transfer from one alkyldithiophosphate leaving group coordinated to the Ni(II) complex. The alkyl transfer is controlled by steric factors and is highly solvent-dependent.